Open Arms

A Compilation of Symbols

Is this a simple cross stitch picture. Yes, it is? No, it is not. Each element of the picture is a symbol with meaning. Together all the symbols build the visual interpretation of the multi-layered theme.

While each symbol has a range of meanings, depending upon your source of information, the meanings applied when designing this specific picture are described as follows.

The Arched Frame

The arch is a connection to heaven and sanctuary. Passing through the arch symbolises leaving the old to embrace the new, an act of rebirth.¹

The Stained Glass Window

‘Insofar as stained glass may be considered an art of painting; it must be considered an art of painting with light. Whatever techniques or materials it may employ, its own most unique and indispensable effects are always the product of colouring, refracting, obscuring, and fragmenting light.’²

Britannica

The frequency of light changes with each colour and affects the body in different ways. For example, we reduce the blue light in our mobile phones at night to help us sleep.³

Hence, the meaning of details in stained glass changes with the colours used. The meanings applied to colours in Open Arms correspond with their use in stained glass, most originating from their historic use by various religions.⁴

Red indicates powerful emotions like love and hate.

Yellow indicates the divine power and glory as well as treachery.

Blue indicates hope and sincerity.

Orange, the combination or red and yellow, is a young colour that used to be on the red spectrum. It indicates creativity.

Green, the combination of yellow and blue, indicates growth as life overcomes death in rebirth.

Purple, the combination of red and blue, indicates the suffering and endurance in love and truth.

In Open Arms, passing through the archway carries a risk. Will the new be hateful and treacherous? Will it be full of love and glorious? Will sincere hope be enough to make the change a better alternative? The promise of Open Arms is that with a creative attitude, the new will bring about positive change.

The Angel’s Robe

The original meaning of the word Angel is messenger.⁵

The pale silver colour of the robe, a combination of white and black, indicates the chaste innocence and purity of white united with the death of black that precedes rebirth.⁴

In Open Arms, the silver angel brings a message. Rebirth brings a change from the hate of the old to the pure and innocent love of the new.

The Angel’s Head

The halo, drawn as a disc, is a symbol of divinity used by many cultures throughout the world.⁶

In Open Arms, it symbolises how an aspiration to divinity cannot discriminate. It must be universal. The featureless face symbolises the rejection of specific identity. It represents every person without condition or restriction.

The Angel’s Belt

The belt wraps at the level of the angel’s solar plexus chakra, which relates to confidence, self-control, and self-esteem.⁷

In Open Arms, it encourages the change. It inspires confidence and an assurance that you can take control of your rebirth.

Open Arms Theme

‘I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love.’⁸

Mother Theresa

Ultimately, the theme of Open Arms is unconditional love, giving it, not receiving it. By passing through the archway of rebirth into a colourful new world full of promise and hope, you can make a divine difference through creativity and pure love.